Hello Everyone! This coming Monday will be my second ever time moving in Japan, but this is the first time I've had to worry about disposing of big items. In my city in America, if I wanted to get rid of something, like chairs or a table, I could just set the trash out on the curb. If some random person didn't find it and take it, the garbage men would take it instead.

Here, in Japan, things are different. The garbage disposal system in Japan is  very detailed and organized. Disposal rules also vary from city to city. Today, I will be covering how to dispose of over-sized garbage here in Yokohama city!

WHAT IS CONSIDERED OVER-SIZED GARBAGE?

In Yokohama, the word for over-sized garbage is "粗大ごみ" or "sodai gomi".  An item is categorized as being over-sized if the longest side of a metal object is above 30cm (11in.) or 50cm (19in.) for other materials (plastic, wood, cloth, etc.). Common items that fall under over-sized garbage are: sofa, table, chair, fan, rug, and bikes.

I HAVE OVER-SIZE GARBAGE. WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Try to refrain from sitting the garbage outside and hoping it will disappear! Why? You need to schedule and pay to have it removed by the city. To get the process started, you need to visit the official Yokohama city website, which can found here, and submit an application! You can submit an application through various methods:


APPLY FOR PICK-UP BY PHONE

You can arrange pick-up by calling the "sodai gomi" hotline! Hours are limited (8:30-5pm), with the hotline being closed on Sundays and holidays. Also, make sure you have the item names/measurements on hand when you call. I am not sure if they have English speaking operators though!

APPLY FOR PICK-UP BY LINE

If you have a LINE Chat account, you can arrange pick-up through the app! You will start off by friending the official Yokohama city Line account (＠Cityofyokohama) and following the steps on the website here!

APPLY FOR PICK-UP BY FAX AND CHAT

If you are language and visually impaired, you can send an application by fax. Please find details here. You can also apply for pick-up through the chat function. However, if you get stuck or confused and need help, operators are only available 8:30-5pm.

APPLY FOR PICK-UP BY INTERNET

You can also apply for pick-up through the Yokohama city website. This is the method I used, so I will walk you through it in detail!

Step 1: Decide when you want pick-up. You must apply at least one week in advance. Therefore, if you'd like your pick up to be on a Tuesday, you need to apply by the Monday before. You can apply up to 2 months in advance using this method. Don't wait until the last minute!

Step 2: Decide how many items you need picked-up. They accept up to 9 items at a time by online application.

Step 3: Make sure the items you want to dispose of CAN be disposed of by the city. You can find a list of items that the city WILL NOT dispose of here. Example items that the city will not dispose of are: TV, refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner, fire extinguisher, etc.


Step 4: Please visit the over-sized garbage internet application website at this address and select English at the top of the page!


Step 5: Scroll down and click on "apply for the first time".


Step 6: Enter your e-mail and click submit.


Step 7: Check your e-mail and click the confirmation link contained in the body of the message within 15 minutes. If you do not click the link within 15 minutes, you must do steps 5 and 6 again!


Step 8: Fill in the "Basic Information" application. Pay attention to the areas where you need to select the type of residence you live and the area you will place the oversized garbage for pick-up. If you do not feel comfortable putting your full name on the garbage sticker, you may input your initials instead.


Step 9: select the garbage you need picked up! Please keep in mind the price and number of items at the bottom of the page.


Step 10: Choose your collection date. Pay close attention to the color key and your own availability. As you can see, there is no pick-up for me in the next three weeks! That would cause a problem if I were in a hurry to move!


Step 11: Confirm your application! Once you have confirmed everything, you will be sent an e-mail with your reception/confirmation number (受付[受付番号). PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS JUST A PROVISIONAL EMAIL (　仮　受　付). The city will send a follow-up e-mail confirming the acceptance of your application within 3 days. DO NOT pay for the over-sized garbage stickers at this stage!


I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A FOLLOW UP E-MAIL

If you have not received a follow up e-mail within 3 business days, please contact the department directly by phone or e-mail. Please send your e-mail to [ info@sodai.city.yokohama.lg.jp ]. If you want to include a Japanese translation with your e-mail, you can include:



I had to send an inquiry e-mail, but they replied in less than 24 hours with my acceptance e-mail!

Step 12: Buy the over-sized garbage stickers for your items, write your name or initials on them, attach them to the items, set the items out before 8:00am on the day. Try not to set them out any earlier!

WHERE AND HOW CAN I BUY OVERSIZED-GARBAGE STICKERS?

The most convenient place to buy oversized-garbage stickers are at the convience store, of course! This includes 7/11, Family Mart, Lawson, Daily Yamazaki, Ministop, etc. You can also buy them at the post office.

If you live in an area where no one speaks English, you can show a picture of an oversized-garbage sticker, show your confirmation e-mail with the price, or say the below:

You can change the sticker price (200/500) or sticker amount (1, 2, 3, etc.) by keeping the same format.

The clerk will then scan and stamp the stickers, and you will then pay the due amount.

• If you applied for oversized-garbage pick-up in Yokohama, you have to buy the stickers in Yokohama! You cannot buy them in Kawasaki or Tokyo.

• There are two types of oversized stickers: 200 yen and 500 yen stickers! Please buy the proper amount of stickers. Therefore, if you need 1000 yen for an item, purchase two, 500 yen stickers. 

• No refunds are given! However, there is no expiration date, so you can use them at a future date.

• Make sure to place the stickers in an obvious spot! No sticker or No name means no pick-up! No exceptions!

• If you've changed your mind about the oversized items (giving them away or need to change the date), please contact the department immediately. You can apply for cancellations and changes online, but restrictions apply.

• If you have found that someone took your items before pick-up, notify the department.